Sloppy Lentils

Sometimes you have to go to a potluck.  And you never know what to bring (okay, fine, your friend Christiana never knows what to bring).  But you know what never lets me down?  Sloppy lentils.

Sloppy Lentils is a vegetarian take on sloppy joes that please everyone.  Vegetarians don't eat meat and meat eaters feel like they are being healthy eating these things "lentils".  Everyone wins with sloppy lentils!

I found this recipe in More Make It Fast, Cook It Slow by Stephanie O'Dea.  I am on a vegetable substituting kick lately, so I have my eye on sweet potato chili too.  Stay tuned!

2 cups lentils
1 large onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp chili powder
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 1/2 tsp prepared mustard (and more to taste, after cooking)
2 (12 oz) cans tomato paste
4 empty tomato paste cans water
hamburger buns

Sort the lentils and rinse in hot water.  Dump into the slow cooker.  Add the onion, celebery, and bell pepper.  Add the spices, soy sauce, and muystard.  Add the contents of the tomato paste cans, then add 4 cans of water.  Stir to combine.  Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the lentils have softened nicely.  Stir well and taste.  If desired, add more mustard.  Serve on buns, rice cakes, or over brown or white rice.

What it cost me: right around $10